Tree Resin

Team SuperBee2016-07-03+0722:51:362017-01-02+0713:39:41Posted on July 3, 2016, by Team SuperBee - Ingredients, Tree resin

Super Bee Wax Wraps are made from a few simple ingredients: 100% cotton, OTOP-certified pure beeswax, organic coconut oil, and tree resin. While you’re most likely familiar with the the first three ingredients, you might be wondering, “what exactly is tree resin?” (and, “why would I want it touching my food?”).

Sap and tree resin

If you’re conjuring an image of sticky tree sap, you’re on the right track. Tree resin is a fluid produced by plants (most commonly trees); however, sap and tree resins are not the same thing. Sap is generally a watery, sugary substance, while resin is thicker and stickier.

Antimicrobial and antibacterial

Similar to beeswax, resin is heralded for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Resins do not dissolve in water; they harden when exposed to air and melt when exposed to heat.

Before 1700 BCE

Humans have used resins for thousands of years. The history of resin can be traced to before 1700 BCE during the Bronze Age! People used resin as adhesives and medicines. Because tree resin is waterproof, ship builders often used it to seal boats, ropes and tarps.

Other usage of tree resin

Today we still use tree resin in many ways. It’s used as a sealant, rosin for the bows of string instruments, and even used in soaps. You can also use it for wilderness survival in emergency situations, including the treatment of wounds, stopping bleeding and soothing rashes.